Exodus 3:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 3:22 mean?

Exodus 3:22 describes how the Israelite women are told to ask their Egyptian neighbors for valuable items—specifically silver, gold, and clothing—before leaving Egypt, and to give these items to their children, resulting in the Israelites taking possessions from the Egyptians. This verse explains part of God’s plan for the Israelites to leave Egypt with resources, not empty-handed.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses at the burning bush, giving instructions for what the Israelites should do as they prepare to leave slavery in Egypt. The command is for each Israelite woman to approach her Egyptian neighbor and the foreign women living in her house, requesting valuable goods. The act of “spoiling the Egyptians” means the Israelites would leave with wealth, reversing their years of forced labor.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 3:22

• The word “borrow” is שָׁאַל (sha’al), which more accurately means “ask” or “request” rather than to borrow with the intent to return. This clarifies that the Israelites were not deceiving the Egyptians but were openly asking for these items.
• The word “spoil” is נָצַל (natsal), which means “to rescue, deliver, or snatch away.” In this context, it means to take or carry off the Egyptians’ goods, showing a reversal of fortunes for the Israelites.

Why Exodus 3:22 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Israelites’ departure from Egypt was not just an escape but included a transfer of wealth, fulfilling God’s earlier promises to Abraham that his descendants would leave their place of oppression with great possessions.
• The instruction to ask for valuables from neighbors shows a peaceful, direct approach rather than theft or violence, highlighting God’s provision and justice.
• Understanding the original Hebrew words helps clear up the misconception that the Israelites were tricking the Egyptians; instead, they were following a direct command from God to ask for these items.